Terms Set for VIC Country Football Review

Thursday, June 02, 2011

The chairman of AFL Victoria, Peter Jackson, has announced the terms of reference for the review of the governance and structures of football across country Victoria.

Mr Jackson, who will lead the review, presented the terms of reference to a meeting of representatives from the Victorian Country Football League Board, staff, affiliated leagues and umpire associations last night.

He said the AFL made a significant commitment to football in country Victoria, with direct grants of almost $600,000 to the VCFL and indirect investment of $2.8 million for TAC regions, Under 16 and 18 country championships and the employment of development managers and officers in country regions.

“The intent of this review is to ensure that football’s peak bodies adequately respond to the future needs of football in country Victoria,” Mr Jackson said.

Mr Jackson said AFL Victoria strives to achieve seven key development objectives for the game in the state by working with its major affiliates, including the VCFL

These key development objectives are centred around participation, community foundation, engagement, talent and second tier, facilities, fan development and people and culture.

Mr Jackson said the purpose of the review was to examine the current governance and structures of football in country Victoria to determine:

The effectiveness of these structures

The level of duplication of resources and administration

The levels of collaboration between various stakeholders

Their impact on achieving the seven key development objectives

Whether AFL investment in country Victoria is efficient and effective

The review would also make recommendations to the AFL, AFL Victoria, the VCFL and its members about how to improve the governance and structures in order to maximize collaboration.

The review will seek submissions and feedback from the VCFL, affiliated leagues and umpiring associations as well as AFL Victoria’s network that is responsible for talent programs, pathways and development outcomes in country Victoria.

The review will also seek feedback from other stakeholders including the Victorian Government and local councils and municipalities and look at the structures and programs of other sports.

Mr Jackson said a final report with recommendations would be provided to the AFL by end of August. The final recommendations would be presented to all stakeholders by the end of September.